Derek Thompson was named the head coach of the men's basketball program in July 2021, after serving as the interim head coach since March of 2021.
Thompson came to Harris-Stowe State University in the fall of 2020 as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. He also helped out on the women's side this past season where he helped lead the team to a 5-7 overall record in the final 12 games of the year.
Prior to his time at Harris-Stowe, Thompson spent four seasons as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, where he helped lead the team to a 54-71 overall record and a 37-35 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He was responsible for recruiting, organized recruiting databases, developed scouting reports, assisted with on-floor coaching during practices and games, monitored academic development, and mentored staff and team on ethics and sportsmanship.
Thompson got his coaching start at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach starting in 1998. He was promoted and served as the Head Coach of the men's basketball program until 2003. Following his time at Morris Brown College, Thompson served as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, and Virginia Union University. He also spent four seasons at Miles College as the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach as well as the Assistant to the Athletic Director. In addition, he served as a Senior Basketball Coach with the Atlanta Hawks from 2015-2016.
Thompson is a graduate of Morris Brown College where he received his Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in 1998. He has been married to his wife Alicia for 21 years and has a daughter, Peyton, who is entering her senior year of high school.
